Although the Rizal Park Hotel opened its doors to the public in 2017, its history goes beyond centuries. The building where the hotel stands was originally constructed in 1911 as the Army and Navy Club of Manila, designed by William E. Parsons, the consulting architect of the Philippine government during the early American colonial era. Parsons is also known to be the architect behind some of the country's notable structures, including the Philippine General Hospital, The Mansion House in Baguio City, and the famous Manila Hotel.
The neoclassical building was strategically located beside Luneta (now Rizal Park), offering sweeping views of Manila Bay, and quickly became a prestigious social and recreational hub for American military officers and expatriates living in the Philippines. It included bowling alleys, sports courts, bars, ballrooms, a restaurant, and gorgeous views of Manila Bay.
However, the outbreak of World War II changed the course of the building, putting social activities to a halt. When Japanese forces invaded the Philippines in 1941, the club was repurposed as a bomb shelter and evacuation center. Although the building was heavily damaged, it survived the fatal bombing of Manila during the war, a testament to its robust construction. After Filipino and American forces reclaimed the city, reconstruction efforts started, and it reopened in December 1945, with President Sergio Osmeña and his wife attending as special guests.
In 1952, Club President Newland “Ned” Baldwin transformed the club into a family club, expanding membership to welcome civilians and Filipinos. By the 1960s, the club had grown to welcome 40 nationalities. But come the 1970s, its prominence waned as military personnel chose the rising Manila Polo Club over the Manila Army and Navy Club.
With its decline, the City of Manila took over the decaying structure in the 1980s, repurposing it as the City Architect's Office until it was eventually abandoned after showing signs of disrepair. The building briefly served as the location of the Museo de Manila and became the venue for school and military events. Despite its decline, the building was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on April 26, 1991.
Rizal Park Hotel has been at the heart of Manila’s history for over a century. Take a step back in time with us and relive the past. #ArmyNavyClub #RizalParkHotel
Posted by Rizal Park Hotel on Friday, September 27, 2024
But even after its declaration as a National Historic Landmark, there were no conservation and restoration efforts, and the Manila Army and Navy Club building deteriorated further.
Things took a turn in the 2010s when a partnership between the government and Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation, a private developer, initiated a full restoration and reuse of the building. The project aimed to revive the historic landmark while converting it into a boutique hotel. On July 26, 2017, the Rizal Park Hotel was formally opened, its name reflecting its proximity to the nearby Rizal Park.
From a thriving social club, Rizal Park Hotel stands today as a historical landmark that embodies Manila's colonial past. Its revival has brought new life to an iconic remnant of Philippine-American history, offering guests a chance to revisit history while experiencing the Philippines' warm hospitality.
Whether it's your first visit at Rizal Park Hotel or you're returning for more, we're excited to be a part of your...
Posted by Rizal Park Hotel on Tuesday, July 30, 2024
The architectural design of the Rizal Park Hotel is deeply rooted in the neoclassical style popular during the American colonial period. Designed by William E. Parsons, his trademark arches and use of Capiz (thin, flat, translucent shells native to the Philippines) shell windows are seen throughout the building. The façade featured also had wide verandas, high ceilings, and wide corridors, which are essential ventilation features for a tropical country like the Philippines during the pre-air conditioning era.
The building’s location also offered unbeatable views of Manila Bay, with the rear of the structure opening up to views of it, providing not just scenic beauty but also a natural cooling breeze. During its time as the Manila Army and Navy Club, it featured a large Oriental reception room, a tea room for ladies, and an opulent dancing pavilion, all arranged to encourage social interaction among its elite American clientele.
Fast forward to its restoration project in the 2010s, much of the club's architectural design was retained. For Simon Paz, the Chairman of Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation, the goal was to preserve its features while conforming it to Philippine and international safety and engineering standards. Its neoclassical features, like columns, moldings, and arched windows designed by Parsons were maintained, while the grand staircase, distinct black and white flooring, and lobby areas were carefully restored.
Deteriorated features were reconstructed due to irreparable damage, which has sparked debates among preservationists. Nonetheless, the management ensured that new features matched the old ones in design and other visual qualities. They also refrained from using chemical or physical treatments like sandblasting, which caused damage to historic materials. All these efforts were done along with adding contemporary amenities like elevators, air conditioning, and modern plumbing.
Ranging from Deluxe Rooms to opulent Army Navy Club Suites, Rizal Park Hotel offers Filipino-Colonial guest rooms, allowing guests to experience the ambience of early 20th-century Manila while enjoying the comforts of a 21st-century hotel.
Parking
Parking on site
Private parking
Restaurant
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
24-hour front desk
Airport shuttle
Business centre
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Activities
Sauna
Fitness centre
Casino
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Spa facilities
Spa/wellness packages
Fitness
Access
Non-smoking rooms
General
Facilities for disabled guests
Lift
Non-smoking throughout
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor pool
For the kids
Kids club
Services and conveniences
Daily housekeeping
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Things to do, ways to relax
Swimming pool
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key card access
Smoke alarms
CCTV in common areas
Fire extinguishers
Food & drink safety
Breakfast takeaway containers
Physical distancing
Physical distancing rules followed
Parking
Parking
Parking on site
Private parking
Food & Drink
Restaurant
Services
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
24-hour front desk
Airport shuttle
Business centre
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Activities
Sauna
Fitness centre
Casino
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Spa facilities
Spa/wellness packages
Fitness
Access
Non-smoking rooms
General
Facilities for disabled guests
Lift
Non-smoking throughout
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor pool
For the kids
Kids club
Services and conveniences
Daily housekeeping
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Things to do, ways to relax
Swimming pool
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key card access
Smoke alarms
CCTV in common areas
Fire extinguishers
Food & drink safety
Breakfast takeaway containers
Physical distancing
Physical distancing rules followed
The Rizal Park Hotel offers a refined dining experience that blends local flavors with international cuisine, all set within the elegance of a restored heritage property.
Café Rizal
At the heart of the hotel's dining experience is Café Rizal, the main restaurant located on the ground floor. The restaurant echoes the building's neoclassical charm with stylish interiors, serving a wide selection of Filipino, Asian, and Western delicacies.
Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Experience a historic dining feast at the luxurious Cafe Rizal in Rizal Park Hotel. Enjoy the distinguished flavors of...
Posted by Cafe Rizal on Saturday, March 7, 2020
Imperial Court
While Café Rizal offers a medley of Filipino and Western cuisine, Imperial Court whips up delicious Chinese cuisine carefully prepared by the hotel's culinary team. Guests can also have private celebrations and intimate meals at the restaurant's function rooms.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Enjoy an appetizing selection of authentic Chinese dishes especially made by Cafe Rizal's chefs in the elegant Imperial...
Posted by Imperial Court on Saturday, March 24, 2018
With its Neoclassical appeal and historic location in Manila, Rizal Park Hotel is a top choice for destination weddings. Couples can book the hotel's grand function room, which can seat as many as 1,200 guests for a grand and memorable wedding. Aside from receptions, Rizal Park Hotel can also host wedding photoshoots, taking advantage of the property's well-preserved features and timeless charm.
Embracing different cultures, the hotel also hosts Tinghun ceremonies. Tinghun is a Filipino-Chinese engagement ceremony that serves as the formal meeting between the bride and groom's families. The celebration also includes symbolic rites believed to bring good fortune.
Take a sneak peek at Rizal Park Hotel's grand function rooms that could seat as much as 1,200 people for elegant...
Posted by Rizal Park Hotel on Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Within and outside the hotel, Rizal Park Hotel offers an immersive blend of heritage, leisure, and cultural connection. Take a dip in the infinity pool with sweeping views of Manila Bay or break a sweat at the gym, complete with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. After a busy day out, head to the spa for relaxing massage treatments or unwind at the sauna. As a living heritage site itself, you can find remnants of its glorious past through the Heritage-themed decor and interiors.
Aside from its on-site facilities, Rizal Park Hotel puts you at the heart of the capital's best sights. From the hotel, visit and stroll around Rizal Park, named after the country's national hero, Jose Rizal. For art and history lovers, don't miss the trio of national museums: the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of Natural History. Guests can also immerse themselves in the country's Spanish colonial history at Intramuros, the famous walled city dotted with preserved structures from the Spanish era.
Rizal Park Hotel offers an exceptional setting for hosting events and special celebrations, combining old-world grandeur with modern amenities. Whether celebrating an anniversary, birthday, reunion, or baby shower, the hotel offers flexible event spaces that can be customized to match the celebration’s theme and tone. You can also get in touch with the management and staff for special surprises and other services to make your day extra special and memorable.
Large marine theme park with immersive zones and views of Manila Bay (5-minute walk)
Urban park named after the Philippine hero, offering jogging trails, picnic areas, and pocket gardens (5-minute walk)
Neoclassical-style museum with exhibits highlighting the biological and geological diversity of the Philippines (4-minute drive)
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the nearest airport to Rizal Park Hotel and is a 35-minute drive from the hotel.
The nearest transport terminal is the LRT-1 United Nations station, 5 minutes from the hotel via car.